Prior to 1983, there were two versions of Thunderbirds
scarves. A former unit member explains:
"The scarves actually were called 'frams.' The pilots wore
the one with the patch and the enlisted wore the one with
the diamond through the end of the T-38 era. That changed
when Jim Latham came back to lead the first F-16 team in
1982, after the 1982 T-38 diamond accident. The enlisted
asked to wear the patched version as well and he gave the
OK. So, the new 1983 enlisted team began wearing the patched
version of the 'fram' as well."

Other Nellis AFB Units

Collector Notes

The yellow and black checker scarf is used by most units in
the 57th Wing including aggressors, weapons school, and the
Thunderbirds when training. It was also used by the 4477th
Test and Evaluation Squadron. * From the 2007 season to
present, the Thunderbirds have worn a white T-shirt with the
USAF emblem in the neckline in lieu of a scarf.

If you have additional information about a particular scarf or wish to provide scans of scarves not pictured, please email.